| Gifts Overview | by A. Wood | |
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This series looks at the gifts that each believer has been given to use in service for Christ. This first article gives an overview of the gifts, in coming months we will look at the various gifts in more detail. Romans 12v3-8These verses tell us that just as our bodies are made up of seperate members so does the church. We each have "gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us". It then lists some of the gifts and encourages those that have these gifts to make use of them.
1 Corinthians 12This is the "gift chapter". It tells us of how there are different gifts but they are all given by the same Spirit. It is the Spirit that divides them up to each man as the Spirit will, they are not divided up by man. We are reminded that just as our bodily members need the other members to function, we as members of the church need other members to function, we cannot be independent of them. It reminds us that those parts of our body which seem feeble and hidden away are needed just as much as our other parts, likewise those gifts (such as, one on one work) used in secret are needed by the church just as much as those out on show (such as, so called platform gifts).
1 Corinthians 13The next chapter goes on to tell us that whatever our gifts the most important thing is love. If we do not act in love then the use of our gift will be severly hindered. It reminds us that while gifts may one day disappear, love will last forever.
Ephesians 4v7-13Finally a few verses in Ephesians. These remind us that our gifts are only given because Christ died for us. They are given not for our own benefit but to help each other, to further the Christian work and to build up the body of Christ, that is the church. They are given for use until we are with Christ.
ConclusionTo conclude: we have each been given different gifts by the Holy Spirit because Christ died for us. They are each required in the church and are not for our own benefit but for others. Finally they are to be used until Christ comes.Click here to read October's article in the series on gifts. It is on prophecy. | ||